The J-1 visa: how can you become an Au Pair in the USA?
Becoming an Au Pair in the USA requires a J-1 cultural exchange visa, which can only be obtained through a designated sponsor agency. The process includes meeting specific eligibility criteria, working with a licensed agency in your country, and participating in the U.S. Au Pair program for at least 12 months. While the requirements may be stricter than in other countries, the agency will guide you step by step and help you apply for the J-1 visa successfully.
What is the J-1 visa?
The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to participate in a cultural exchange program in the United States for a short period of time. There is a maximum time you are allowed to live in the country depending on the J-1 visa category and the program you are participating in.
Au Pair program in the US
In the United States the Au Pair program has certain requirements and in order to enter the US as an Au Pair you will have to fulfil them. What else? Find out
J-1 visa requirements for the Au Pair program
You are not younger than 18 and not older than 26
Your English skills are good enough to participate in a program in the United States
You are a healthy person
You have at least 200 hours of experience in childcare
You have at least secondary school education diploma
You don’t smoke
You have a police clearance report
We recommend you to have an international driving license
You are planning to stay at least 12 months in the United States
It is the first time you will be working as an Au Pair in the United States
How can I apply for a J-1 visa?
In order to become an Au Pair in USA you will need to contact an Au Pair agency in your country. The agency will work together with its partner agency in the USA to help you with the application for the J-1 visa. The agency will let you know the requirements you will need to fulfill and the documents you will need for the visa application.
Which agency can organize your stay in the USA?
To help you join the Au Pair program in USA, the local agency in your country needs to partner with US agencies that are recognized by the government and allowed to organize such programs. These agencies are also called the designated sponsor organizations. Check out the list of designated sponsor organizations in the USA!
How does the program work?
In order to get a J-1 visa you have to also fulfil specific requirements during your stay abroad:
Complete at least six hours of academic credit at any US post-secondary educational institution
Work maximum 45 hours a week and not more than 10 hours a day
Do different duties related to the childcare
In exchange for your help you will get:
A private room in the family’s house
At least three meals a day
A maximum amount of 500 USD for the required course
AuPair.com is an online matching agency, therefore this question is beyond our scope of responsibility. But we will do our best to help you nonetheless! Usually the best source of information is the embassy of the host country placed in the Au Pair’s homeland. Requirements vary depending on both the Au Pair’s nationality and the host country, but usually a letter of invitation from the Host Family and a signed contract are needed to start the visa application. Other documents may be different depending on each individual case, and in case of the US, assistance of a local full-service Au Pair agency is also necessary.
I want to be an Au Pair in the US! What should I do?
The Au Pair Program in the USA has specific requirements. One of them is a mandatory registration through a full-service agency. There is a special list of agencies recognized by the US Government and entitled to help you with the J-1 visa. AuPair.com can help you find a Host Family, but remember that further documentation and formalities should be done through a local US agency.
Can Au Pairs work more than 45 hours?
No. Every country has its own regulations for how many hours/week the Au Pair is allowed to work, and they correspond to a specific monthly pocket money. In some countries, like the USA, this includes extra babysitting hours. In other Host Countries it depends on the agreement between Au Pair and Host Family.
Why is AuPair.com the best au pair online agency?
Since 1999, AuPair.com has been trusted by countless Host Families and Au Pairs, earning its reputation as the best au pair online agency. With over 80.000 active users and the largest pool of candidates as Au Pair world wide, we provide families with exceptional options. Our platform is available in 9 languages and offers free resources, affordable memberships, and an intuitive, user-friendly interface. Our fast and efficient customer service and safety team ensure a seamless and reliable experience, making AuPair.com the preferred choice for childcare and cultural exchange.
I want to become an Au Pair in the USA
In the US there is really strict law regulation of Au Pair programs.
Therefore, to enter the US as an Au Pair you need to contact full-service Au Pair agency in your local area and ask about further guidance; AuPair.com is just an online matching agency.
Do I need a language certificate to become an Au Pair?
Language skill requirements differ from country to country. While you will have an interview in English for the US visa, China as a rule doesn’t require you to pass the interview in Chinese. Some embassies might ask as well for an official certificate of your language knowledge. Once you shortlist the number of countries you would like to go for an Au Pair program, contact their embassies in your country to find out the language requirements. You can also check this page before contacting the embassy.
Login